White House Seeks Ksh 194 Trillion Defence Budget as Iran War Drives Up Costs

This represents a more than 40 per cent increase from the previous year and is the largest single-year jump in US military spending since World War II. President Donald Trump submitted the proposal to lawmakers on Friday, citing the ongoing costs of the war with Iran, now in its fifth week, and other global security needs.

The sharp rise is needed to sustain military operations, rebuild weapons stockpiles that have been depleted, and cover daily expenses that some reports estimate could reach up to $2 billion a day due to the Iran conflict. The plan also includes about $73 billion in cuts to non-defence programmes, such as certain social services, which the administration wants to shift back to state and local governments. This has sparked strong criticism from Democrats, who argue it prioritises military action abroad over the needs of American families.

The budget request is not final, as Congress has the power to adjust or reject parts of it. Some Republican leaders have welcomed the increase, saying it will strengthen national security and encourage allies to do more. However, concerns remain about the impact on the already high US national debt. The proposal sets the stage for intense debates in Congress over funding priorities during wartime.